Travelling to Dinnington RUFC is always a daunting task, a place where Goole have rarely won in the past so to go there knowing you have been stripped of five important members of the squad certainly made this fixture appear even more daunting.
Goole brought in Rob Maidment at prop, for his first team debut at the ripe old age of 43 (I think, sorry Rob if incorrect). His contribution was especially poignant as he was up against a very experienced front row, with one of them an ex-Zurich Championship player for Rotherham Titans. No problem for Rob who played his part and never looked out of place in Goole’s latest victory, the same to be said of the other incumbents.
The kick off saw Goole once again facing the elements, as well as playing up the notorious Dinnington slope. Immediately from the off Goole were under pressure from Dinnington, with Josh Malcolmson forced into making a try saving tackle after only 4 minutes from a home side break down the middle of the pitch. However, a minute later, Goole chastened from their experience, went in search of a score. Josh Malcolmsom charged down a kick from the home scrum-half by the 10 metre line, regathered to find Townend who came into the line to break down the right, through the gap and inside to Patrick Graf-Grote to score under Dinnington’s posts. Rhys Moore successful with the conversion and Goole in front 0-7.
From the re-start it was all Goole play and territory as they continued to put pressure on the home back line, with both runs and kicks. Then to the 25th minute and Goole's scrum put under pressure for the first time, but again Townend was there to stop any momentum. However, a minute later Goole were stunned by a Dinnington score in the right corner courtesy of a long Goole kick into the home 22 being returned with profit via a rapid counterattack which caught Goole flat footed and brought the scores level at 7 all.
The following 10 minutes saw the home side began to exert pressure, mostly from their scrum, which was looking stronger as the game progressed. But resilient as Goole are, the sheer effort of all concerned deprived Dinnington of any real territorial gains. So it went on, with Dinnington trying but failing to make any real use of the wind and slope advantage. On the stroke of half time Goole landed a killer blow. An Eddie Newsum break down the right saw him feed Richard Barrass who found the returning Matt Lill running a delightful line to go clear of the defence and draw the fullback to release Josh Malcolmson to run in from 20 metres and touchdown by the posts. Rhys Moore again obliging and Goole going into the break 7-14 in front.
As Goole played down the slope, the helping wind had eased somewhat, but the try before the break seemed to have dampened the home sides enthusiasm and the second half must have ended with Goole having enjoyed at least 70 % of territory and the bigger slice of possession. 8 minutes into the second period and Goole got their 3rd try, again through Patrick Graf-Grote. Rhys Moore’s penalty kick to the home 5 metre line, a catch and drive, with several phases of play, and Graf Grote’s great running line saw him touch down for Goole. The kick wide out on the left produced an outstanding conversion from Moore. Goole now looked in full control, until on 65th minute, in a rare visit into the Goole half poor decision making by Goole allowed the home side to finally force the visitors back over their own try line resulting in a second try for the home side. The score now 12-21.
This jolted Goole back into action with a new focus being a 4 try bonus point. More Goole pressure pushing Dinnington back inside their 22, as Goole tried and tried to force their way over the home try line. Unfortunately, on the 70th minute, with Goole again on the offensive the official stopped the game due to a serious injury to a Dinnington player. With him motionless on the pitch and an ambulance having been called, the referee brought both skippers together, and it was decided to move onto an adjacent pitch to ensure the safety of the player, who looked to be in a bad way.
Back under way and Goole again camped in opposition territory. Such was the control had on the game, three consecutive shots at goal turned down in favour of kicking to touch, in the hope of a fourth try.
It finally looked as though Goole had done it when Townend bludgeoned his way over, but the referee deemed the ball to be held up over the line. The seconds finally ticking down to end with another victory in 2022 and another impressive, controlled performance by all involved.
Rob Maidment, Sam Patrick and Ricky Gormley, who all came in at the last minute making valuable contributions, Rich Barrass looking sharper each game and Matt Lill’s return to action all huge positives. The back row of Will Townend, Jack Smith and James Chantry were again a major reason for Goole's win, the absence of Ray Coates being covered admirably. However, it was Patrick Graf Grote who stole the show with another impressive performance in the engine room, ably assisted by Newsum who influenced many set piece situations.
To quote DOR Greg Bone “It shows how far we have come as a squad, when we feel slightly disappointed in our performance and that we didn’t get a bonus point”. To me, as well as all those watching it was simply another exciting game to be privileged to watch, full blooded rugby between two good sides, no quarter given, but all played in the right spirit.
Last, but most importantly the injured Dinnington player was diagnosed with a dislocated hip and is now recovering following surgery to put the joint back in place. All at Goole wish him a speedy recovery.
Saturday sees the last home game of the season as Goole entertain Leodensians. A busy day is expected with the last Gold Boys lunch of the season and over 70 guests of sponsors expected. The entertainment running long into the evening with a Racenight commencing from 7.00 pm